Page:Extracts from the letters and journals of George Fletcher Moore.djvu/299

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A VENTURE WITH SHEEP.
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a house four miles down the river, on the other side; so that strong hopes are entertained of his being shortly taken.

31st.—I have just returned from Mr. Brockman's, where I have been all the morning, settling an arbitration affair which had been referred to Mr. Brockman and myself. I hope we have finally settled it to the advantage and satisfaction of both parties; but I fear I have not served my health by exposure to the air.

While I was away the natives called at Hermitage, but not accompanied by Ya-gan. One of Midgegoroo's widows was among them, in great grief for the arrest of her son.

June 1st.—My shepherd has not ceased to tease me till I have consented to let him go to Perth, with a venture of ten sheep for sale. He is, I think, a trustworthy man; but I shall soon see how he has succeeded.

My head does not get on so quickly as I expected; it ought to have been plaistered enough by this time; my face looks as if there had been not only plaistering, but white-washing.

2nd.—My shepherd set out for Perth with his sheep early this morning, and James reigns in his stead.

Old Yellogonga, with three women and children, came here to-day. They begged hard for some sugar. I gave them a little each. The old